Thanks Ray, I have a feeling the W2 blades may become more popular than 52100.

Matt - Yes, it did. Glad to have it, but getting some real confusing results with the testing....getting HRC #'s from mid-30's to upper 50's. The test blocks are reading with reasonable accuracy, but the blades and coupons I have tested are off. I have reached out to Bloodroot for advice, they have the same machine. I made a coupon of W2 yesterday and just hardened it, no temper....it should be 65+ HRC, but getting a low reading...files skate off of it and a fresh ceramic belt was having trouble cutting, so it is hard.

Jeff - I am finding it to be less reactive than 52100. It will patina quickly, but seems to better with ingredients and doesn't get too funky smelling like some of the other steels, including 52100 sometimes.

I am still learning about the claying and hamon process, but is has become clear that the W2 blades will be more $$ than 52100 due to increased time. For no differential hardening and not as high a polish (required to show hamon) prices should be similar to 52100.

Question: At some point, I would like to try forging blades, it won't happen soon, but maybe within the next year. I imagine the prices of the forged blade will be more $$ due to more time involved in creating the blade vs stock removal. The question is, is a forged blade worth more than stock removal, even if heat treat and end performance is exactly the same. In a blind testing could you tell the difference??? These are the questions I ask myself....would appreciate your input.

Thanks Ray, I have a feeling the W2 blades may become more popular than 52100.

Matt - Yes, it did. Glad to have it, but getting some real confusing results with the testing....getting HRC #'s from mid-30's to upper 50's. The test blocks are reading with reasonable accuracy, but the blades and coupons I have tested are off. I have reached out to Bloodroot for advice, they have the same machine. I made a coupon of W2 yesterday and just hardened it, no temper....it should be 65+ HRC, but getting a low reading...files skate off of it and a fresh ceramic belt was having trouble cutting, so it is hard.

Jeff - I am finding it to be less reactive than 52100. It will patina quickly, but seems to better with ingredients and doesn't get too funky smelling like some of the other steels, including 52100 sometimes.

I am still learning about the claying and hamon process, but is has become clear that the W2 blades will be more $$ than 52100 due to increased time. For no differential hardening and not as high a polish (required to show hamon) prices should be similar to 52100.

Question: At some point, I would like to try forging blades, it won't happen soon, but maybe within the next year. I imagine the prices of the forged blade will be more $$ due to more time involved in creating the blade vs stock removal. The question is, is a forged blade worth more than stock removal, even if heat treat and end performance is exactly the same. In a blind testing could you tell the difference??? These are the questions I ask myself....would appreciate your input.